9 Best Tips For First-Time Apartment Renters | Your Guide

If you’re a first-time renter, you may be feeling a little overwhelmed. There is so much to think about! Don’t worry, though. We are here to help. In this blog post, we will provide the best tips that will make your first apartment rental experience a breeze. Keep reading for helpful advice on everything from finding the perfect place to signing your lease!

1. Consider Your Financial Situation

The first step for a first-time apartment renter is to determine what you can afford. When considering your budget, it’s important to think about all of the expenses associated with renting an apartment. This includes rent, utilities, parking, and any other fees that may apply.

The monthly rent payment is typically the biggest expense, so it’s important to find a place that fits within your budget. Don’t be afraid to ask landlords about the rent price and whether they are willing to negotiate. Some things you may want to consider include:

• How much rent can you afford each month
• Be prepared to pay a security deposit, which is typically equal to one month’s rent plus the first month’s rent
• The cost of utilities
• Parking fees
• Any other fees that may apply, for example, pet deposit, late payment fees

It’s also important to think about your long-term goals when budgeting for an apartment. If you plan on moving in the near future, you may want to consider a cheaper place with fewer amenities. However, if you plan on staying in your apartment for a while, you may be willing to spend more money upfront for a nicer place.

No matter what your budget is, there are plenty of apartments out there that will fit your needs. With a little bit of research, you’re sure to find the perfect place to call home.

Before starting your search, make sure you have enough money saved up to cover the cost of rent, the deposit, and any other expenses associated with moving into the apartment.

Once you have a budget in mind, you can start searching for places that fit your needs.

Tip: As soon as you know you will be moving, start collecting boxes to make packing easier.

2. Research Your Apartment Options

If you want to rent an apartment, it’s important to do your research, consider all of your choices and ask the right questions before you sign a lease. Below are some tips to help you get started finding the perfect place to call home.

Shopping List

Make a list of what you need and want in an apartment. This can help you focus your search and avoid wasting time looking at places that don’t meet your needs.

Some things to consider include:

• Location
• Size
• Amenities
• Price
• Pet policy
• Parking situation
• Security features
• Noise level
• Proximity to public transportation, stores, and other places you frequent

Money Saving Features

Are you looking for ways to save money on your new apartment? Here are a few tips to help you get started:

• Start by looking for apartments that include utilities in the rent price. This can end up saving you a lot of money in the long run.
• Another way to save money is by furnished apartments. These come with furniture and appliances already included, so you won’t have to worry about buying your own.
• If you plan on cooking at home often, look for an apartment with a kitchen that includes a stove and oven. This can save you money on eating out.

3. Start The Apartment Search

Once you have a good idea of what you’re looking for, you can start your apartment hunt. There are a few different ways to go about this:

• Use an apartment finder or search engine. This can be a great way to see all of your options in one place and compare prices easily. Just make sure to read reviews before you select a place.
• Ask friends, family, and co-workers for recommendations. If someone you know has had a good experience with their apartment, they may be able to point you in the right direction.
• Check out real estate listings online or in your local newspaper. This can be a more time-consuming process, but it may be worth it if you find your dream apartment.

Viewing Prospective Apartments

Once you’ve found a few places you’re interested in, it’s time to start touring them. This is where things can get a little overwhelming, but don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. Here are some tips for making the most of your apartment tour:

• Ask the leasing agent or landlord questions about the apartment, the building, and the neighborhood.
• If you have a pet, make sure to find out if the apartment complex allows pets and what their policy is on pet deposits.
  Ask about utility costs and whether they are included in the rent or not.
• When looking at apartments, be sure to pay attention to the details. Note the condition of the floors, walls, countertops, and other fixtures. Check for any signs of water damage or pests. If something doesn’t seem right, move on to another unit. Check out the small details like paint color, type of flooring, and the amount of prep space in the kitchen.
• Imagine yourself living in the space and see if it feels like a good fit. If there are any amenities, make sure you have a look at those too.
• Check out the surrounding neighborhood, can you see yourself living here?
• If possible, tour the apartment at different times of day to get a sense of the noise level.

Pay Attention To Red Flags

When looking for an apartment, it’s important to be aware of the red flags that could indicate a bad rental situation. Here are a few things to watch out for:

• If the landlord is asking for a large security deposit, or more than one month’s rent in advance, this could be a sign that they’re trying to take advantage of you.
• If the apartment is in a bad neighborhood, or if there have been recent crime problems in the area, this is not a good sign.
• If the apartment is in poor condition, has faulty wiring, or has any other serious problems, it’s probably not worth renting.
• If the landlord is difficult to communicate with or is unresponsive to your questions, this could be a sign of trouble.

By being aware of these red flags, you can avoid renting an apartment that isn’t right for you.

Make sure you understand your rights as a tenant. Each state has its own laws, so be sure to do some research before signing a lease agreement.

4. Make The Decision

After you’ve toured a few apartments, it’s time to make a decision. This can be a tough process, but it’s important to take your time and weigh all of your options.

What matters most to you? Location? Parking? Price? Work out your priorities.

Safety

For me, it doesn’t matter how cheap or lovely the apartment is, if it or the neighborhood doesn’t feel safe, I’ll cross it off my list.

Location

How does this apartment rate with getting to work? How long will it take? How much will it cost to get there?

Price

Don’t be taken in by the beauty of the apartment, the view, and the amenities. If you can’t afford it, you can’t afford it.

Your Car

If you have a car, is there parking included? If not, where will you park? Is it close enough? Are there always spaces available? I lived in one place where whenever I drove away, I didn’t know if I could park again when I got back. Sometimes I’d need to park three streets away, and I’d be happy I found the spot. This is not good when you’ve just been out to buy groceries. (I bought a shopping bag on wheels to help me drag my groceries along if I parked too far away…)
Nobody can tell you what is most important (except safety maybe) so really think about what’s most important to you. Imagine your normal daily living in this apartment and location. Does anything bug you?

Complete The Rental Application In Full

When you do find an apartment that you’re interested in, be sure to fill out the apartment application completely and accurately.

• Include all of your contact information, employment history, credit information, and rental history, if applicable.
• Have all the relevant documents ready. Many landlords will require copies of your ID, proof of income, and a letter of reference from your previous landlord, if applicable.
• Your prospective landlord or property manager will need to do a background check and confirm your credit history with a credit check and your, monthly income.

5. Read The Lease Agreement Carefully

Get everything in writing before signing a lease agreement. This includes any promises made by the landlord regarding repairs, parking, etc.

Before you sign a lease, be sure to read it thoroughly. Pay close attention to things like the length of the lease, pet policies, and any restrictions on noise or guests. If you have any questions, be sure to ask the landlord or property manager before you sign anything. Here are some tips:

• Read the lease carefully and make sure you understand all of the terms and conditions.
• Pay close attention to things like the length of the lease, monthly rent amount, and any rules or restrictions that are in place.
• If there is anything in the lease that you’re not comfortable with, be sure to talk to the landlord about it before signing.
• Talk to your roommates, if you have any, and make sure you’re all on the same page about the terms of the lease.

By taking care of these things before you sign a lease, you can avoid any problems down the road.

6. Now That You’ve Got A Move-In Date

Moving into a new apartment can be exciting, but it can also be a lot of work. Here are some tips to help make the process a little easier:

Plan Ahead

• Plan ahead before you move, make lists so you won’t forget anything
• Plan your route to your new apartment
• Make a list of everything you’ll need for the first few days in advance
• Make a list of important phone numbers and addresses
• Have a moving party to help make the process easier!

Boring Things To Do (But Do Them!)

Moving into a new apartment is an exciting time! But before you get too ahead of yourself, there are a few things you need to do first. Here are some tips for setting up your new place:

• Know when your rent is due and how it should be paid (i.e. by check, money order, online).
• Change the locks on all of the doors. This will help you feel safe and secure in your new home.
• Set up utilities like electricity, gas, water, and trash service. You may also want to set up cable or internet service if you plan on having it in your new place.
• Make sure you have enough rental insurance to cover your belongings in case of any damage or theft.
• If you’re moving into a furnished apartment, you may need to buy some basic items like towels, dishes, and silverware.
• Be sure to update your address with the post office, your bank, and any other organizations you belong to.

Taking care of these things before you move will help make the transition into your new place smooth and stress-free.

7. Get Packing!

Now that you’ve found the perfect apartment, it’s time to start packing! This can be a daunting task, but we’ve got some tips to help you through it.

If possible, start packing a few weeks in advance so you’re not rushed before the move. You can start by packing the things that you don’t use every day. So you can pack your decor items, books, and opposite-season clothes. This way, you can slowly pack up your belongings over time and avoid having to do it all at once. You can also use this opportunity to get rid of any items that you don’t need or want anymore. This will help save you both time and money when moving day comes around.

Start by making a list of everything you need to pack. This will help you stay organized and ensure that you don’t forget anything important. I like to (where possible) put everything I’m taking into one closet or corner so it won’t be forgotten. Then I  gradually start packing it.

If possible, label everything clearly so it’s easy to put away in your new apartment. This will save you a lot of time and hassle in the long run.

Get Help With Moving

• Be prepared for the physical labor of moving furniture and boxes by getting help from friends or family members. They may be able to give you a hand with packing, moving, and unpacking.
• Consider hiring a professional moving company. They can take care of all the logistics of moving for you and make the process much less stressful. I used to ask my friends to help when I first moved out, but when it came to moving heavy items that could cause injuries such as a fridge, I started using movers for the big items. It’s not an all or nothing proposition. The professionals can move the difficult items and you and your friends can move everything else.
• Be sure to pack together essential items like toiletries, clothes, kettle, coffee and cup, and bedding that you will need on your first night and the next morning. Keep them in a separate box and don’t lose sight of it. When you arrive in the apartment, put this box somewhere obvious like on a countertop.

Your First Night

Once the movers have left, you’ll probably be feeling really tired…be kind to yourself on your first night and do only what absolutely need to do.

• Before you do anything else, unpack your essentials box and make your bed now. I can tell you from experience, this is a really good strategy. By the time you go to bed, you won’t feel like putting it together.
• Are you working tomorrow? Do you need to iron anything?
• Take some time to have something to eat and relax.

By following these packing and moving tips, you can make moving into your new apartment a breeze.

8. Personalize Your Space

Now that you’ve moved into your new apartment, it’s time to start making it feel like home! You can turn your apartment into a cozy and inviting space. Here are some tips for personalizing your space:

• Hang up some pictures or artwork to add a splash of color, but be careful to not damage the walls.
• Arrange your furniture in a way that makes sense for the layout of your apartment.
• Add some greenery with plants or flowers to help spruce up your space.
• Put out some decorations like candles, rugs, or throws to make your apartment feel cozier.
• If you have any empty shelves, fill them with books, knickknacks, or other items that reflect your personality.

Making your apartment feel like home is all about adding your own personal touch. With a little bit of effort, you’ll be sure to love the space you’re in.

Cleaning

One of the most important things to do when moving into a new apartment is to make sure that everything is clean. )It’s meant to be clean before you move in, but some people have strange ideas of cleanliness.) Here are a few tips to help you get started:

• Start by giving your new place a good deep clean. This includes things like dusting, mopping, and vacuuming.
• If you have any carpets or rugs, be sure to give them a thorough cleaning as well. You can either hire a professional service or do it yourself with a rental machine.
• Don’t forget about your windows! Be sure to clean both the inside and outside of all your windows before moving in furniture or decorating.

9. Relax And Enjoy Your New Home!

Now that you’ve moved into your new apartment, it’s time to start enjoying all the perks that come with apartment living! Here are some things to keep in mind:

• When you first move in, take some time to familiarize yourself with your new surroundings. This includes things like your neighborhood, your building, and your apartment itself.
• Most apartment complexes have amenities like a pool, fitness center, and laundry facilities that you can use for free or for a small fee. Be sure to take advantage of these!
• If you have any problems with your apartment, be sure to contact your landlord or management company right away. They will be able to help you resolve any issues you may have.
• Get to know your neighbors and build a relationship with them. This way, you can keep an eye out for each other and feel more comfortable in your apartment community.
• Keep your apartment clean and tidy to avoid any potential fees or penalties from the landlord.
• Be considerate of neighbors with your noise levels.
• Familiarize yourself with the apartment complex’s rules and regulations.

Finally, don’t forget to relax and enjoy your new home! You’ve worked hard to get here, so take a deep breath and enjoy all that your new place has to offer.

Conclusion

By following these tips, your first experience renting an apartment will be a positive one! Just remember to take your time, do your research, and be prepared for a little bit of work. With a little effort, you will be settled into your new home in no time. Enjoy yourself, you’ll remember these days forever!